Okay… we’ve got a good bit of ground to cover for you guys today as the dust begins to settle from another Comic-Con, so let’s get right to it.

First let’s talk about the titles that were officially announced at (or around) the show, and then we’ll get to the latest rumors and other news on those that weren’t. We’ll start with Batman… [Read on here…]

Okay – how’s your Saturday going? The Bits crew has been down at San Diego Comic-Con the last couple days checking out all the BD-related stuff going on and we’re going to have a full report for you on Monday morning wrapping up all the details. There weren’t a ton of major announcements, and there was no sign of Abyss, True Lies, or The X-Files (though we will have updated information on those titles for you), but Shout! and Scream Factory certainly announced some impressive titles. We have posted a little bit of news on The Bits Facebook page, so be sure to check that out now if you’re interested.

Meanwhile, we thought you guys might enjoy a look at some pictures from the show floor, including your first good look at a number of upcoming (and in a few cases limited or exclusive) Blu-ray releases that were on display there, including Fox’s Comic-Con deluxe catalog BD sci-fi/fantasy title packaging, their X-Men “Cerebro” BD box set, the WETA-designed Planet of the Apes: Caesar Warrior box set, the Halloween Complete Collection, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse: The Complete Series, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, and more. So here’s the gallery. [Read on here…]

Let’s close out the week by starting with a little more TV Batman release news.

We posted the Blu-ray pre-order and temp artwork yesterday, along with word that the set carried an SRP of $269.97 (actual Amazon price = $188.98). Now we’ve learned that the DVD set is also available for pre-order today, with an SRP of $199.70 (actual Amazon price = $139.79). The DVD comes with its own cover artwork, which you can see here on the left. Blu-ray is on the right. [Read on here…]

Quick update on yesterday’s news: A number of readers have asked why Schindler’s List and Munich weren’t included in Universal’s newly announced The Steven Spielberg Director’s Collection Blu-ray box set. So we contacted the studio and got this statement:

“The Steven Spielberg Collection showcases the Director’s journey at Universal making some of the biggest blockbusters in film history that have thrilled, entertained and delighted audiences around the world. Due to the historical significance and deeply serious nature of the films, Schindler’s List and Munich were not included so as to not understate their unique impact.” [Read on here...]

All right, there was no update yesterday because I was up in L.A. checking out Robert Harris’ recent restoration tests of The Alamo with my own two eyes. Despite what MGM has claimed officially, let me assure you, having now seen the tests firsthand – which the studio has apparently not done yet for some strange reason (and how weird is that?) – this film is in serious need of restoration. The good news, however, is that I’ve also seen tests of how good the film could look like if given a restoration. The result would easily be worth theatrical presentation and a solid Blu-ray release. So keep spreading the word and keep the pressure on the studio. Fingers crossed. [Read on here…]

About Bill Hunt

Bill Hunt is the Editor in Chief of The Digital Bits, which he founded in the early days of the DVD format in 1997 to bring together the Hollywood film community and movie fans from around the world. His columns…